Learn how to enter ministry in the United Church and how to support someone in the process of entering ministry.

God's world needs leaders: ordered ministers and lay leaders. Learn how to answer God's call for you.
  • Discerning a Call to Lead
    Who becomes a minister? How do I know if I’m called?
  • Ordered Ministry
    The United Church recognizes one order of ministry in two expressions.
  • Processes for Entering Ordered Ministry
    How to become an ordered minister in The United Church of Canada.
    • Candidacy Pathway
      The Candidacy Pathway process for entering ministry in The United Church of Canada was implemented on January 1, 2019.
    • Admission Process
      The United Church of Canada welcomes ministry leadership from other recognized global ecumenical Christian denominations who feel called to serve in the United Church.
    • Mutual Recognition of Ministries Process
      The United Church has agreements with three denominations to accept the credentials of each other's ordered ministers: PROK, UCCP, and UCC.
    • Funding and Support for Entering Ministry
      Learn about some of the financial support available to people who are entering ministry in the United Church.
  • Lay Ministry and Discipleship
    Members of the church respond to God’s call through many different forms of service.
    • Designated Lay Ministry
      DLMs are lay ministers, recognized by a regional council and accountable to the Office of Vocation, who accept a leadership role for defined periods of time for defined forms of service.
    • Licensed Lay Worship Leaders
      Full members with a call to worship leadership develop their gifts through study and are licensed by a regional council.
    • Sacraments Elders
      Full members of a community of faith who are licensed by the regional council to administer the sacraments within their community of faith.
    • Other Lay Ministry Opportunities
      Lay leadership may also include congregational designated ministers, music ministry, youth work, or parish nursing.
  • Call Stories
    Read why these active ministers chose a ministry vocation, what they love about it, and what challenges they face.